PREVALENCE OF SHORT BIRTH INTERVAL AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG WOMEN WHO GAVE BIRTH IN THE PAST THREE YEARS IN SHEBEDINO WOREDA, SIDAMA REGION, ETHIOPIA, 2023

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of short birth intervals is high and widespread in developing countries, particularly Ethiopia. It is highly associated with increased risks of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal anemia. Conducting regular surveys on the prevalence of short birth intervals is necessary for effective family planning interventions. Nevertheless, there is a lack of periodical and timely surveys reported from the region and the study area in particular. Objective: To assess the prevalence of short birth intervals and associated factors among women who gave birth within the previous three years in Shebedino Woreda, Sidama Region, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from July 30 to August 30, 2023. A total of 620 multiparous women were chosen using multistage sampling. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Data were Collected through open data kit and exported to statistical package for social science version 27 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. Multicollinearity and model fitness were examined by variance inflation factors and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, respectively. P-value <0.05 variables were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 620 participants with a response rate of 99.5% were involved in the study. The prevalence of short birth interval was 37.1% with 95% CI; (33.3, 41.0). Being Muslim religion follower (AOR=2.31 95% CI: 1.03, 5.18), unable to read and write (AOR =4.0; 95%CI: 1.01, 15.85), delivery of index child at home (AOR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.41), no history of antenatal care visit (AOR=2.45 95% CI:1.25, 4.80), and non-use of contraceptive (AOR=4.20, 95% CI: 1.71, 10.3) were factors statistically associated with short birth interval. Conclusion: In this study, more than one-third of respondents practiced short birth intervals. Factors associated with outcome variable were religion, respondent educational status, contraceptives, antenatal care visits, and place of delivery. Therefore, optimizing the birth spacing strategy should improve family planning, institutional delivery, encouraging women's education, religion leaders, and antenatal care visits